Macedon, Philip II, Gold Stater, XF 5/5 4/5.

Kings of Macedon, Philip II (359-336 BC), posthumous gold Stater, Pella, c. 323-315 BC, laureate head of Apollo right, rev. ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ, charioteer driving biga right, kantharos below horses, 8.55g, 10h (Le Rider, Pella III, 465). NGC XF 5/5 4/5.

NGC Certification 8537571-001

The gold stater of Philip II is one of the most famous and enduring coin types of the ancient Macedonian kingdom. Although Philip II ruled Macedonia from 359 to 336 BC, this example is a posthumous issue, struck at the mint of Pella around 323-315 BC, several years after his death. The continued production of coins bearing Philip's name and imagery reflects the lasting importance of his reign and the prestige of Macedonian royal coinage.

The obverse depicts the laureate head of Apollo facing right. Apollo was one of the most important gods of the Greek world, associated with music, prophecy, healing and divine order. His idealised portrait gives the coin a distinctly classical appearance and demonstrates the high artistic standards achieved by Macedonian engravers during this period.

The reverse carries the inscription ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ, meaning "of Philip," alongside the celebrated image of a charioteer driving a two-horse chariot, or biga, towards the right. Beneath the horses is a kantharos, a distinctive two-handled drinking vessel associated with wine and religious ritual. The combination of the chariot and kantharos forms part of the characteristic design of Philip's gold staters.

The chariot scene has traditionally been connected with Philip II's victories at the Olympic Games, where he achieved considerable prestige. By placing imagery associated with victory and divine favour on his coinage, Philip presented himself as a successful and legitimate ruler within the wider Greek world. Even after his death, the type remained sufficiently prestigious to continue being struck.

The timing of this posthumous issue is particularly important. It belongs to the difficult period following the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BC, when his generals competed for control of the enormous Macedonian Empire. Despite these political upheavals, Philip's name and coin types continued to carry authority and were reproduced at several mints.